For ease of reference, the following defined terms apply to this Guide:

“Class 3(d) Mozzarella Cheeseor Mozzarella Cheese” means Mozzarella (Scarmoza) cheese, Part Skim Mozzarella (Part Skim Scarmoza) cheese, Pizza Mozzarella cheese and Part Skim Pizza Mozzarella cheese, made in Canada and in accordance with the Dairy Products Regulations Section 28 as it relates to these cheeses, using Milk Class 3(d) and which are sold in packages of not less than 2 kg on a net weight basis clearly marked: “Not for retail sale. For use only on pizza prepared and cooked on site” or “Not for retail sale. Only for pizza cooked on site”.

“Distributor” means a Canadian company that has been issued a Milk Class 3(d) Permit by the CDC to supply Mozzarella cheese to a restaurant. This includes franchisors.

“Restaurant” means a Canadian establishment primarily engaged in preparing meals, snacks and beverages to customer order and which sells pizzas prepared and cooked on site which has registered its business with the CDC and has been issued a Milk Class 3(d) registration number. For the purpose of milk Class 3(d), establishments that are not deemed eligible include, but are not limited to: cafeterias, institutional food services and catering operations.

What is the Class 3(d) for Mozzarella Cheese Used in Pizza?

The Canadian Milk Supply Management Committee (CMSMC), created under the National Milk Marketing Plan, has established a milk classification (milk class 3(d)) for Mozzarella cheese used in pizza prepared and cooked on site for the benefit of restaurants. The purpose of this class is to provide restaurants access to cheese at a reduced price for pizza prepared and cooked on site.

The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) was mandated by the CMSMC to administer the milk class.

Essentially, this new milk class provides the terms and conditions under which milk at a reduced price is made available to manufacture Mozzarella cheese destined for sale to restaurants primarily engaged in preparing meals, snacks, and beverages to customer order and which sell pizzas prepared and cooked on site.

How to Apply

To apply to Class 3(d), restaurants meeting the requirements of being a Canadian establishment primarily engaged in preparing meals, snacks and beverages to customer order, and of selling pizzas prepared and cooked on site, must supply information relating to their business activities to the CDC by completing an on-line application form. In the case of a franchise operation, all franchisees must apply individually and must provide the complete address of the restaurant.

The CDC will assess each application and applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be admitted to Class 3(d) and will receive a letter of approval and entry. The CDC will also issue a Class 3(d) registration number which restaurants will be required to provide to their supplier(s), either a dairy processor or distributor, to purchase Class 3(d) Mozzarella cheese.

To obtain a CDC registration number, restaurants must submit the on-line application form, warrant that the information they provide is complete and accurate, and agree to the requirements of the application process as well as to the terms and conditions of the resulting Agreement.

This Guide (including any defined terms and conditions), the application form, including Parts I and II, in addition to the CDC letter of approval welcoming the restaurant to Class 3(d) shall altogether form a binding agreement between the restaurants and the CDC. Under Class 3(d), restaurants are required to abide by the terms and conditions of the resulting agreement and failure to do so may result in, among other remedies, the termination of the agreement and cancellation of the Class 3(d) registration number as well as damages. We encourage those interested in applying to carefully read through the on-line application form.

The CDC’s role shall be limited to application assessment, and subject to entry in Class 3(d), the issuance of a registration number. The CDC will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with any term and condition of Class 3(d). It is the responsibility of the restaurant to negotiate the purchase price of the Class 3(d) Mozzarella cheese directly with the dairy processor or distributor.